ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Exagen Diagnostics, Inc., which provides proprietary molecular diagnostics testing services, genomic probes for research and analytic specific reagents to clinical laboratories and academic institutions, today announced that John Alsobrook, Ph.D., has been named vice president and chief operating officer. In his new role, Alsobrook oversees Exagen's day-to-day operations, company alliances and genomic marker discovery and development programs. He reports to Exagen Founder and Interim CEO Waneta Tuttle, Ph.D., M.B.A.

Alsobrook joined Exagen in 2006 as the company's director of genomic marker discovery, responsible for quality control and analysis of genomic data using both standard statistical approaches and Exagen's proprietary data mining engine. He played a key role in the development of the company's initial prognostic marker test that identifies the risk of recurrence in certain breast cancer patients. Alsobrook has also led the company's development of diagnostic tests for patients with gastroenterological conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disorder.

"John's extensive background in genomic science has provided Exagen with invaluable insight as the company develops new products and services for clinical laboratories and academic institutions," said Dinesh Patel, Ph.D., Exagen board chairman and managing director at investment firm vSpring Capital. "His experience and proven leadership skills make him a key member of the management team that will lead Exagen into the next phase of growth," Patel added.

Alsobrook has nearly 30 years of industry and faculty experience in scientific management, research and project consulting. Prior to joining Exagen, he worked as a consultant for clients including Genaissance Pharmaceuticals, Amersham Health, G.E. Healthcare and Massachusetts General Hospital. Alsobrook also worked at CuraGen Corp. as genetics supervisor for drug discovery and as senior research scientist for pharmacogenomics. From 1996-2000, Alsobrook was associate faculty scientist at Yale School of Medicine Child Study Center, where he investigated inherited psychiatric disorders. He holds B.S. degrees in biochemistry and physics from California State University Los Angeles, and both an M. Phil. and a Ph.D. from Yale University's Department of Genetics.

About Exagen Diagnostics, Inc.

Exagen Diagnostics is a CLIA-registered molecular diagnostics laboratory with a growing menu of proprietary, internally developed genomic tests. Exagen also sells genomic probes for research use and analyte specific reagents to other clinical laboratories and academic institutions. For more information, visit www.exagen.com.